It was next to impossible for anyone to inform themselves as to what was really transpiring on the reservation or the causes which brought a considerable number of troops to the agency and when it was known that an engagement had taken place between the Indians and the troops, it was only natural that much excitement should prevail among settlers. Most of those residing east of Chadron moved their families either to Chadron or Hay Springs and so filled the town that not a few camped in the court house at Chadron. The residents of the towns also became agitated over the prospect of an Indian outbreak.

After the Battle of Wounded Knee the surviving turbulent ones were placed under arrest and the uncomfortable feeling in Dawes county passed away in a few days.

In the summer of 1882 news came through cowmen returning from visits in the east that quickly spread from ranch to ranch ; news disquieting to the then inhabitants of the country. It was to the effect that the Northwesern railroad intended to extend its line to the White river valley with the Black Hills as its ultimate objective. Also that the Burlington was contemplating an extension into northwest Nebraska. Also that the government was about to survey the lands with a view to opening them to legal entry and settlement.

Immediately there was a revolutionary spirit manifested and plans were discussed how the "plow chasers" could be stopped. Looking back over the period of years how puny and childlike were the protests of the brave fellows who then comprised the citizenship; yet it was natural that their feelings should be stirred to the depths by the prospect of others coming to dispossess them of their homes; to upset their businesses and to change the trend of their lives.